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Music

Curriculum vision

Our vision for the Music at Parkhall Integrated College is to give students the skills and knowledge to be able to be lifelong Musicians, with an appreciation for a wide range of music and styles, and to be able to have the space and time to develop their creativity.

Key stage 3

All students study music in key stage 3 through a comprehensive programme of study focused around performance, composing and listening. In each year group, the curriculum focus is below:

Year 8:

Rhythm, Pulse and Percussion

Music Theory

Performance Skills 1 - Percussion

Year 9:

The Elements of Music

Hooks and Riffs in Pop Music

Performance Skills 2 - Keyboard

Composing with GarageBand – Using and creating Loops

Year 10:

Film Music

Pop Music through the ages

Careers in the Music Industry

Composing with GarageBand – Music for Film

Key stage 4

Music is offered at key stage 4 at GCSE level. Three key areas are assessed at GCSE level:

  • Performing and appraising (worth 35%)
  • Composing (worth 30%)
  • Listening and appraising (worth 35%)

Each component is linked to the 4 topic areas:

  1. Music Traditions in Ireland
  2. Pop Music, 1980 - present day
  3. Film Music
  4. Western Classical Music, 1650-1910

Extra-curricular

Students are encouraged to extend their abilities by taking part in extra-curricular activities such as the choir, orchestra and forming their own musical ensembles. These meet on a weekly basis after school and take part at all major functions throughout the academic year.

All students are given the opportunity to receive instrumental tuition at an additional cost. Lessons are provided by peripatetic staff who come into school every week. Students receiving lessons are encouraged to do external exams.

We are very proud of the many students who have had exam success through Rock School, Trinity and ABSRM exam boards.

The Music department has strong links with the Ulster Orchestra where students will attend open rehearsals with the orchestra and small groups from the orchestra will perform concerts at school. We recognise the need for students to view their learning in a professional context.

Parkhall Integrated College Vision Statement

‘To provide an inclusive, caring learning environment where we all feel valued and respected and are empowered to reach our full potential’